TEAM USA basketball star Anthony Edwards came to Joel Embiid’s defense after the Philadelphia 76ers received a not-so-welcome reception from the crowd at the Paris Olympics.
French fans booed the 2023 NBA MVP before the US men’s basketball team’s 110-84 win over Serbia last week.
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Anthony Edwards (pictured) has defended Team USA teammate Joel Embiid over boos the Philadelphia 76ers center has been hearing at the Paris OlympicsCredit: Getty
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Embiid seems to be an unpopular figure in Paris after choosing to play for the US over FranceCredit: Getty
The jeers poured from the stands again as Embiid, 30, warmed up for Wednesday’s 103-86 victory over South Sudan, which the Sixers star would eventually watch from the bench.
Local fans’ dislike of the seven-time NBA All-Star appears to stem from his decision to play for the USA over France.
Embiid, born in Cameroon, became eligible to play for Les Bleus after receiving French citizenship as “a foreigner … whose naturalization is of exceptional interest” in 2022.
He also appeared to show a great interest in representing the country then.
However, later that year, the center also became an American citizen, and in 2024, he committed to playing for Team USA in Paris.
Still, the hostility he’s been subjected to at the Olympics baffles the former No. 3 pick’s teammates.
“I don’t know what is going on. I don’t know why he gets booed all the time,” Edwards, 22, said via BasketNews.
Edwards pointed out it would be difficult to find a spot in France’s starting lineup.
The host nation already boasts a packed backcourt with San Antonio Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama playing next to four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert.
“But you got Wemby and Rudy, why would he play with y’all?” Edwards said after being told of Embiid’s previous interest in playing for France.
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“Wemby and Rudy, what more do y’all want? You want three 7-footers?”
After deciding to join Team USA, Embiid said it was “tough” picking between America, France, and Cameroon.
The center suggested that his son, Arthur—who was born in 2020—being a US citizen played a role in his choice.
“I love all three options, you know, with my home country, which I love a lot,” Embiid told ESPN last October.
USA basketball Olympic schedule
Men
July 28, 11.15am ET – USA 110-84 Serbia, NBC
July 31, 3pm ET – USA vs South Sudan, USA Network
August 3, 11.15am ET – USA vs Puerto Rico, NBC
Women
July 29, 3pm ET, USA 102-76 Japan, USA Network
August 1, 3pm ET, USA vs Belgium, USA Network
August 4, 11.15am ET USA vs Germany, USA Network
“But I really want to participate in the Olympics, that’s been my goal and my dream.
“And you add that with the fact that my son is American, and I’ve been here for such a long time. … I’m really thankful for the opportunity.
“France — the commitment they were willing to make — I really appreciate it. It was a tough decision.”
Embiid recently addressed the booing he’s been hearing at the Paris Olympics.
“Nothing,” he told Joe Vardon of The Athletic when asked about his reaction.
“Like I said I’m an American, I play for Team USA.”
Before sitting out the entire South Sudan matchup, Embiid started against Serbia, logging four points, two rebounds, and a block in 11 minutes.
He was pulled from the court early, having struggled against Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic.
